Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/3/2004

Question
I am a Zimbabwean young man of 22 years and currently studying for a BSc degree in Chemistry,I am very much interested in becoming an airline pilot but I have the following problems ,in Zimbabwe there are no flight schools,I don't have the money to train as it is very expensive so if I could have organisation to sponsor me I would be veryu happy,also my intention was to enroll after finishing my degree but i will be 25 and i think time will not allow me as i will be grown up.

Answer
Hi, Walter:

Thanks for your question...I will try to assist!

The best suggestions I have for you are as follows:

1.  Check with the ICAO at
www.icao.int  
for information on aviation training and financial aid/scholarships for such training.  There is an ICAO regional office in Africa (in Kenya) and they might have some training offerings there.  I also know that if you consult the ICAO website (as above) and do a search on the work "scholarships" that some funding is available under the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) for training.

2.  Go to the following website for aviation financial aid and scholarship information:

www.avscholars.com

I realize that the expense is daunting and that your age might be an issue later, but, at age 25 it is not too late to begin your quest for aviation training.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale